Maine Best Restaurants 2012

BEST SURF-ON-TURF VIEWCape Arundel Inn,Kennebunkport
White-tablecloth dining with a knockout view of crashing surf and the Bush estate at Walker’s Point combines with well-prepared classic fare, such as sauteed seafood medley and pan-seared prime sirloin, make the splurge worthwhile. Entrées from $28. 208 Ocean Ave. 207-967-2125; capearundelinn.com

BEST WINE BAROld Vines Wine Bar & Tapas Restaurant,Kennebunk
Mike Farrell renovated an old barn into an Old World-meets-New World European-style wine bar. Complementing the wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails are nibbles, snacks, and small plates with choices such as lobster panini, broiled Maine shrimp and chorizo, and a white gazpacho that will more than satisfy garlic lovers. Entrées: from $7. 173 Port Road, Lower Village. 207-967-2310; oldvineswinebar.com

BEST GREEK CUISINEEmilitsa,Portland
Chef/co-owner Demos Regas prepares the rustic Greek fare of his youth for a menu of small and large plates, created with an emphasis on fresh and local. The spanakopita, lamb chops, and whole fish earn raves. Entrées: from $21. 547 Congress St. 207-221-0245, emilitsa.com

BEST FARM-TO-TABLE DININGPrimo,Rockland
James Beard Award-winning chef Melissa Kelly invites diners to tour the gardens and pastures where much of the restaurant’s produce is grown and chickens and pigs are raised, before dining on her Mediterranean-accented fare. Entrées: from $27. 2 South Main St. 207-596-0770; primorestaurant.com

BEST TAVERN-STYLE FAREHatchet Mountain Publick House,Hope
It’s well worth noodling through the rolling countryside to have dinner at this meticulously renovated post-and-beam barn, infused with light and accented with antiques. Expect well-executed comfort foods, including what may be Maine’s best fish-and-chips. Entrées: from $14. 42 Hatchet Mountain Road. 207-763-4565; hatchetmountain.com

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